Pope baptises 26 babies in Sistine Chapel

image: CTV/Vatican Radio

Pope Francis baptized 26 baby girls and boys during Mass in the Sistine Chapel today, the feast day of the Baptism of Jesus.

The Holy Father said our faith is handed on from one generation to the next through baptism. He told the parents of the 13 girls and 13 boys, they must never forget that faith is the greatest heritage they can pass on. Amid the sounds of some babies crying, Pope Francis told the mothers to feel free to feed their children whenever they are hungry.

In his Angelus address, after the Mass, Pope Francis reflected on the Gospel accounts of the Baptism of Jesus in the Rover Jordan, during which the Holy Spirit is seen descending like a dove and a voice is heard from heaven saying "You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased". In this way, the Pope said, Jesus is revealed by God as our saving Messiah.

Through this event, which is found in all four Gospel accounts, he said, the Holy Spirit frees us from the darkness of original sin and restores to the baptized person the beauty of divine grace. This extraordinary dignity of Baptism, through which we are called to be children of God, the Pope said, also brings with it the responsibility of following Jesus and imitating his obedience, humility and tenderness. Not an easy thing to do, Pope Francis noted, especially when we are surrounded by intolerance, pride and hardness of heart, but through the Holy Spirit all things are possible.

On this feast, the Pope said, let us remember our own baptism and reaffirm our commitment to live as Christians and members of the Church in which all our brothers and sisters. We are only baptized once, he said, but we are called to witness to that new life every day of our lives, sharing the light of Christ, especially with those living in darkness or inhuman conditions.

Finally Pope Francis had a special blessing for all those children who have been recently baptized, as well as adults and young people who are preparing or have recently received the Sacraments of Christian Initiation.

Source: Vatican Radio